HOUSTON – Concerned parents, teachers, students, and community members from the Houston Independent School District are expected to gather Thursday afternoon to hold a ‘read-in’ in protest of the recent decision to repurpose librarians and libraries in several schools this upcoming year.
SEE ALSO: HISD to eliminate librarians, turn some libraries into discipline centers at 28 campuses
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Those in attendance will gather to read their favorite books in an effort to highlight the importance of well-staffed libraries.
Organizers aim to draw attention to concerns that libraries will soon be turned into ‘Zoom discipline centers’.
A news release said that parents, teachers, and students are also concerned that schools in Black and Brown neighborhoods will be disproportionately staffed with uncertified teachers and that the increased focus on STAAR prep will negatively impact children’s potential for enjoying school and becoming lifelong learners.
The read-in is expected to begin at 4:30 p.m. in the HISD Lobby (Hattie Mae White Administration Building, 4400 W 18th Street) and continue in the HISD Boardroom and lobby when the board meeting begins at 5:30 pm.
SEE ALSO: Mayor Sylvester Turner speaks out against HISD’s plan to transform 28 school libraries
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